A state panel this afternoon will debate whether to reduce the number of blood glucose test strips covered for diabetics in the low-income Oregon Health Plan.

The Health Evidence ReviewCommission determines which services are covered by the Medicaid-funded OHP. Staff recommends that patients using insulin once daily be limited to 100 test strips per 90 days, and patients who aren't on insulin would be covered for one strip per week.

Studies differ on whether frequent self-testing for blood glucose levels leads to better health outcomes. A review of medical evidence for the commission found no difference between testing once a week versus three to seven times a week.

But in a press release, Portland endocrinologist Andrew Ahmann and other critics called the recommendation "inconsistent with good diabetes practice."

The test strip discussion is tentatively scheduled to start at 3 p.m. in Room 117B&C of Legacy's Meridian Park Hospital,19300 S.W. 65th Ave., Tualatin. The full hearing runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, and the agenda and supporting materials can be found here.